Laura Whitmore has posted a moving message for the late Caroline Flack ahead of the new series of Love Island.
The TV presenter, who took over from Caroline as host of the popular ITV2 dating show in January last year, has remembered her friend in an Instagram post as she shared her excitement about Love Island returning to our screens.
Caroline tragically took her own life at the age of 40 on February 15 2020.
Laura, 36, says she hopes to do her pal proud as she gears up for her second series as host.
"I think we’re all ready for some love! Ahhhhhh!" she wrote.
"So excited to watch the new islanders. Hope you enjoy talking about them and following their journey and just a reminder to treat them with love, compassion and respect when they leave the show and go back to real life. "Caroline I hope we do you proud. One week to go."
Former Islanders Maura Higgins and Olivia Bowen posted applause and love heart emojis.
"Always," said Winter Love Island star Shaughna Phillips.
Laura, 36, who is married to the show's narrator Iain Stirling, looked stunning in a love-heart detail dress in a new photo shared on her social media.
"Go smash it Whitmore," cheered another follower.
And another said: "I cannot wait. Like the reference to Caroline.
"She would love what you have done with the show and how kind you are about them."
"Yessss can’t wait," another fan applauded.
"You will do Caroline proud Laur, you did her proud when you did it last year in South Africa."
Caroline stepped down from presenting the winter edition of the programme in December 2019.
Iain had worked with Caroline on Love Island since its launch in 2015.
On the show he read out a sombre message dedicated to Caroline following the heartbreaking news.
Iain said: "We are all absolutely devastated by the tragic news that Caroline, a much loved member of our Love Island family has passed away.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadful time.
"Caroline and me were together from the very start of Love Island and her passion, warmth and infectious enthusiasm were a crucial part of what made the show connect with millions of viewers.”
"Like many of you, right now we’re all just trying to come to terms with what’s happened.
"My only hope is that we can all try to be kinder, always show love and listen to one another.”
His voice breaking, Iain concluded: "Caroline, I want to thank you for all the fun times we had making our favourite show.
"You were a true friend to me. I’m going to miss you, Caz."
The tribute ended with a photo of Caroline on screen and sponsorship ads were replaced with contact details for the Samaritans.
